Rialto, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitted zone
- A-1 agricultural zone only
- Hive setback
- 200 ft from any non-owner dwelling
- Residential zones
- Bees not a permitted use
- Zoning enforcement
- Animal code Section 6.04.240
Summary
Bees are a permitted use only in Rialto's A-1 agricultural zone, where hives must be at least 200 feet from any dwelling other than the beekeeper's own. Residential zone permitted-use lists do not include bees.
The keeping of bees provided that no hive or box where bees are kept is nearer than two hundred feet to any dwelling other than the dwelling of the owner of such bees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 39).
Full Breakdown
Rialto Municipal Code Section 18.08.020(F) lists the keeping of bees among permitted uses in the A-1 agricultural zone, conditioned on every hive or box being no closer than 200 feet to any dwelling other than the dwelling of the bees' owner. The residential zoning chapters, including Section 18.10.020 for R-1 single-family zones, enumerate the domesticated animals that may be kept (dogs, cats, and horses under conditions) and do not list bees, so beekeeping is not a permitted residential use. Section 6.04.240 reinforces this by making it a violation of the animal-control chapter to keep any animals contrary to the Title 18 zoning provisions, and the animal-control chapter's definition of animals in Section 6.04.010 sweeps in any other creature. Residents should confirm their parcel's zone with the Planning Division (909-820-2535) before placing hives.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees outside the A-1 zone, or hives within 200 feet of a neighbor's dwelling, is a zoning violation enforceable through Section 6.04.240 and infraction fines of $50 to $100 under Section 6.04.300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a backyard beehive in a Rialto residential zone?
How far must hives be from neighbors in the A-1 zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
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How other cities in San Bernardino County handle beekeeping.